Jarell Quansah struck late to secure Bayer Leverkusen a vital point against Mainz 05, who took a second half lead through Sheraldo Becker.
Goalless first half
While Leverkusen dominated the early proceedings, it was Mainz who created the better opportunity through Paul Nebel. Receiving a ball from Phillip Tietz, he struck it well from a tight angle but straight as Janis Blaswich between the sticks.
Hjulmand’s side continued to control possession but couldn’t find a way through Mainz’s resilient wall. With few chances at either end, referee Tobias Stieler was called to the monitor when Kacper Potulski was adjudged to have handled the ball, but Alejandro Grimaldo was offside in the build-up. Robert Andrich was then called into action at the other end, executing a superb sliding tackle to deny Sheraldo Becker in the Leverkusen penalty box.
Already with a mini injury crisis, Leverkusen’s bad luck continued when Arthur – deputising for Lucas Vazquez – got his studs caught in the turf, screaming in pain. The young Brazilian, who has little luck with injuries, was replaced by Axel Tape at the break.
Points shared
Leverkusen had the first clear chance of the second period, with substitutes Ibrahim Maza and Martin Terrier combining to set up Patrik Schick, who forced Daniel Batz into an excellent save, but it was the visitors who took the lead in extraordinary fashion in the 67th minute.
Collecting a loose ball, Batz released Paul Nebel as Mainz initiated a counter-attack. Nebel played a superbly-weighted cross into the path of Becker, who struck the ball on the volley past Blaswich, who had no chance.
Mainz then pushed for a second but Tietz could only fire his effort straight at Blaswich. As the visitors sat back, Leverkusen capitalised when Quansah slot the ball home, assisted by Christian Kofane who did the hard graft.
A point means Bayer Leverkusen remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot with a game in hand over competitors as Die Werkself travel to Hamburg on Wednesday. For Mainz, it’s still crucial for Urs Fischer’s side, who move a point clear of the relegation play-off.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Mainz 05 Player Ratings
Leverkusen: Janis Blaswich (5) – Jarell Quansah (7), Robert Andrich (7), Edmond Tapsoba (6) – Arthur (5), Equi Fernández (4), Exequiel Palacios (7), Alejandro Grimaldo (6), Jonas Hofmann (6), Ernest Poku (5) – Patrik Schick (6)
Other: Axel Tape (5), Ibrahim Maza (-), Martin Terrier (-), Christian Kofane (-), Aleix Garcia (-)
Mainz: Daniel Batz (6) – Dominik Kohr (7), Stefan Posch (6), Kacper Potulski (6) – Silvan Widmer (5), Kaishu Sano (6), Phillipp Mwene (6), Paul Nebel (7), Lee Jae-sung (6) – Sheraldo Becker (7), Phillip Tietz (6)
Other: Silas (-), Da Costa (-)
GGFN Player of the Match: Paul Nebel (7)
Recording his first assist of the season, Nebel was at the heart of every attacking Mainz move. Creating two chances, the 23-year-old will be crucial in securing Mainz’s Bundesliga status.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
